Gov. Kernan honors veterans

INDIANAPOLIS -- Lawmakers honored military members and veterans Monday with a resolution urging all Indiana residents to support the troops, and Gov. Joe Kernan welcomed home service members who served during the war in Iraq.\nMembers of the Indiana House gave military members and the families of those from the state who died during the war several standing ovations. The Senate observed a moment of silence.\nThe ceremonies cheered the return of service members while remembering those who did not make it back alive. For families members of those who died, the day brought mixed emotions.\n"I'm glad that they (other soldiers) came home, but it's a double-edged sword because ours didn't," said Deb Meyer, a South Bend resident whose stepson, Pfc. Jason Meyer of Howell, Mich., died in Iraq.\nMeyer said it was comforting to meet with other military families, though talking about her loss brings pain.\nKaren Acker, whose brother-in-law, Indiana National Guard Cpl. Darrell Smith, died in the war, said the ceremonies were emotional at times. But she said it was important for her and other family members to participate to remember Smith, a 28-year-old from southwestern Indiana's Otwell.\n"It was touching," Acker said. "I appreciate what they're doing. It lets us know they do care."\nThe House unanimously passed a resolution commemorating Hoosiers who have died during the Iraqi war and thousands of others who served in other wars. Several lawmakers thanked the military members for their service.\n"All of our words and all of our applause can't repay all of you who have served," said Rep. William Friend, R-Macy. "We owe you a deep, deep debt of gratitude."\nThe Senate chamber was lined with family members of those killed in the war as members observed a moment of silence.\nA Statehouse ceremony was later held with Kernan, a Vietnam War veteran and former prisoner of war.\n"Please know that you and your families are in all of our thoughts, in all of our prayers, and that we are with you every step of the way during this most difficult time," Kernan said. "We recognize that it is not only the sacrifice that was made by your loved one, but it is a sacrifice that you continue to make."\nThe governor stayed after the event to shake hands and pose for snapshots with military members and their families.